b a p t i s m

Thank you Angie B. for adhering to my request

for a quick shot of my girl in her baptism dress.

I love how you can take a moment,

right there on our front door step

and grass outside

and capture something special.

Your talent amazes me,

but your dear friendship

is my true treasure.

What I like about you

From Collages Bob, I like seeing you in your biking get up. When ya led the pack and won $50 bucks,  well.... I kind of liked that too. Happy sixteen years of marriage, I like ya more today than ever,  and feel grateful every single day that you're mine. Lovin' you, Mama

celebratin' t.w.o.

From Max's 2nd birthday

From Collages

From Collages

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From Collages I'm ashamed to admit it now, but the truth is there was a day (maybe more) last week I didn't want to get out of bed. I was mourning the loss of a big goal, grieving the absence of running and my most favorite race on the horizon. I had no idea the emotional toll an injury can take on a girl with a smitten love affair with the sport. I missed rolling out of bed before the sun, sneaking soundlessly out the back door, meeting dear friends in the dark street  for good runs and great conversation. I missed the morning's crisp, chilled air on my face and the rhythmic sound of my own breathing. I missed tired legs and melodious feet pounding pavement. I missed coming home and waking my quiet house from its slumber, tickling toes and singing silly songs to get tired kids out of cozy beds. I missed the energy to make em' their favorite, "Eggs over easy on white toast, please!" I missed the frantic filing through laundry baskets in search of clean clothes and matching socks, all the while hounding em' to, "Practice the piano and pick up your rooms!" I missed smearing mustard on bread, stuffing backpacks, hurling little Max in the car, and driving, tunes blaring, my youngsters safely to school, slinging words out the car window like, "Be good, work hard, and I love ya!" Cuz' that's how mornings rolled round' here...... Prefaced with one of my favorite things of course, the thing that has quite simply saved me from myself, RUNNING. For the past two and a half weeks I haven't waken before the sun but its warm rays shining through my bedroom window have awaken me. I haven't tickled toes or sung silly songs. Nope, I've rolled out of bed begrudgingly, feeling not quite like myself, to the sound of morning madness led by the temporary director, AKA, Dad, and although I love him ferociously for forever picking up my pieces and always following the promise he made my dad the day he proposed, to take good care of me, it kind of made me feel worse. I spent too many days drowning my sorrows with extra large Sonic sodas and eating entirely too much chocolate, whining to my family and especially my running friends who so graciously listened, cared and supported, cuz' I know they felt my pain, and I sure love em' for it. ......and then yesterday arrived  like a welcomed, therapeutic cure to my terrible, nasty, bad spell  greeting me with sweet, smiling faces, hand made, loving, Mother's Day cards and a breakfast fit for a queen. Later we squeezed in a church pew as each of my littles took turns sitting on my lap or snuggled at my side begging for arm rubs and ABC back tickles. I took full advantage of their closeness, breathing in the fresh scent of clean hair and smooching soft cheeks. I'd glance over at Bob, my heart melting just a little, each time he'd flash me his handsome smile. In that moment I soaked it all in the love and adoration I have for my family,  and absolute gratitude I have for my divine role as a MOTHER. Isn't it so true, the simple, quiet joys really mean the most?! I relished in those simple joys the entire day, not giving a moment's thought to my injury or missed opportunity, realizing how distracted I had been the past few weeks, consumed with myself, letting sadness rudely cut in front of my happy line. I was reminded of a phone conversation I had with my dad a week prior, telling him of my fractured femur and whining about what it meant. Although I know he was genuinely sorry for my pain he brushed off the situation like it wasn't THAT big of a deal, "If that's the worst thing you're dealing with right now, you've got a pretty good life!" he chuckled. I was confused by his lack of sympathy and even a little offended, thinking my dear old dad, "just didn't get it." Now I see clearly  how perfectly he did. Thanks Bob for putting up with my moping the past few weeks and for pampering me all day, insisting I didn't lift a finger. For cooking, cleaning and taking care of every detail with the kids, but most importantly for being my everything. Thank you Payton, Avery, Owen, and Max for a special day. For showing me that life's little set backs pale in comparison to familial love, and although I'm not always on top of my game and make many mistakes daily, I hope you will always know... being your mama is wholeheartedly and will forever remain, the most important and favored race I'll ever run.

city champ

From Collages Regional + District + City Champion  = TWO PROUD PARENTS We're your biggest fans, Pay, in complete awe of your will, hard work and determination. Love ya always, Mom and Dad

The V I E W

From Collages

From Collages

From Collages We crushed on St. George, with its picturesque scenery and small town, quaint, feel. We dined deliciously and enjoyed nights out at the movies. Hours were spent at the pool playing and relaxing in the weather's perfect temps as our unseasoned skin was devoured by Mr. Sunshine's kisses. We enjoyed hiking excursions with the kids, quickly learning our boys take after their dad, quite apprehensive when it comes to heights, luckily with their hands held tight, they ended up doing just fine.

From Collages

From Collages

From Collages While the boys enjoyed racing the wind on their bikes, Kim and I laced up our running shoes and took off chasing the desert heat. We indulged in a long run, racing up and over hills, as tiny lizards scattered across our path. The adrenaline rush came when a large snake, chillin' on the side of our trail, raised its head in our direction. I came upon it so quickly I didn't have time to think. I surely shut my eyes, yelled an obscenity,and ran by it as fast as I could. Out of its way I turned to yell at Kim, a few feet behind. I jumped, arms flailing, screaming, "SNAKE" as loud as I could, cuz this girl was fearful for her buddy. Kim, for sure, is my tough, thick-skinned friend, constantly calming my weak nerves and cleaning up after my train wrecks, but one thing is question less.  GIRL HAS NO SUFFERANCE FOR SNAKES! ....and like me, she came upon it so quickly she had no choice but to run right by, closing her eyes and shouting obscenities. She didn't really mention shouting obscenities, but it makes me feel better to think she did too, wink wink.

From Collages We snapped one last photo of the fam. standing smack in front of the condo before piling reluctantly into the car for the long haul home. It wasn't but sixty seconds before Avery was sobbing sad tears for leaving our friends and beautiful St. George. I get it. She's a sensitive soul, like her mama. I tried to console her and reassure her those sad feelings would go away, because I knew they would. "Think back on all the fun things we did. Just think of them. Put a smile on your face and BE happy that we were able to come and have such a wonderful time. " I truly am grateful for experiences and memories like these. I'm happy we bit the bullet and used a little tax return money to head south for spring break, because I think something magical happens when you step away from the stresses and busyness of every day life,  taking time elsewhere with your loved ones. Sharing the break with our dear, "fun seeking" friends was an added bonus. We relish in  the same likes and enjoy the comfort of each other's easy, laid back company. They've been so overly generous, loving, and supportive to us over the years that its hard not to think of them as family. "They're GOOD to us" Bob and I always say. I love em' and will be forever grateful for that goodness, because its carried us and held us afloat through some really difficult times, and the great transforming truth is that our burdens can be lifted and lightened and our attitudes changed, in the midst of crisis when sickness enters a home of fine health, because the good will of others aids in greater acceptance, and gratitude for what we have instead of pining for what we lack. And just one year ago during spring break with Bob sporting a wound vac, a large hole in his leg, and the inability to get near the pool and do all the active things he enjoys, it was scary and hard and sad.

From Collages ... but we made that climb, not alone but with the care, concern, and lots of help from family and friends, and its a time in our lives I hold dear and like to look back and reflect upon from time to time because this girl NEEDS those reminders. You see, it was during that stretch our love for each other, family and friends, was strengthened. Our thoughts became focused and we were more readily able to determine what was really important in life  and what was merely trivial, because at the top of that summit our eyes were opened, AND I'LL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THE VIEW.

just like that...

Our little man turns six.

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dirty boots

From Avery's riding lesson

My horse lovin' girl,

 finally got her boots dirty!

Man was she in her element,

fearless and in control.

I watched in amazement as she

commanded "Smoke em'"

round the arena,
straight and tall she sat,

breathing easy, zestfully devouring the moment.

Happiness belonged to her.

Best money this mama ever spent?

Ten bucks on a Christmas special, horse ridin' lesson.

I love you, Avery J.

Thank you for teaching me not to surrender,

 to find yourself, your own way, in the things YOU love...

in complete disregard for what everyone else

 is doing, saying, liking, wearing or just plain being. 

.....to blossom where you've been planted.

T E A

I have these amazing sister in laws who have blown the traditional tea party they enjoyed with their grandmother since they were young girls, into a giant themed party every year for the cousins. And although they weren't convinced the Western theme would be good enough to follow the outlandish Hollywood party they threw the previous year, they couldn't have planned a more perfect party for a 7 year old girl who truly needed it.

 I'm grateful for them, for their love of family, and all the time, effort, and  planning spent to create a day filled with fun for my little crew, especially my horse riding, western wearing, pretend barrel racing, cowgirl obsessed girl, who quite possibly was born in the wrong century.

Minus a few mama lectures to my kids about being good sports, I adored this entire day.

And in the midst of all the fun, laughter and love we felt for each other together creating grand memories at Grandma's house, 

I realized we achieved something,

something immeasurable.

Our own little slice of heaven.

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Barrel Racin'

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Ropin' with Grandpa

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Relay racin'

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Little Wranglers

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Pamperin'

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Grub

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Scavenger Hunt

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This post is dedicated to my friend, and sister in law too, Mikkel.

Someone says, "Western themed tea party," and we don't mess around!

She's the fastest, stick horse barrel racer this side of the Mississippi and the most fun, party planning, selfless, sacrificing girl around.

I love ya.

From mikkel